How to Apply for Assistance

Who Qualifies for “Extra Help” Automatically

You receive “Extra Help” with Medicare costs automatically if you have Medicare and also have or participate in:

Medicaid

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Medicare Savings Programs

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits

If you automatically qualify for “Extra Help”, you will still be required to fill out an application. You can do that through the Social Security Administration (SSA), using either the agency’s print or online application in the SSA website, or at your local Medicaid office.

Applying for “Extra Help” if You Don't Qualify Automatically

If you don't qualify automatically for “Extra Help”, it is a good idea to apply, even if you are not sure you qualify for this kind of help. With a quick visit to the Social Security Administration website, you can determine your eligibility and apply online.

How to Apply

The simple, four-page application is available at your local Social Security Administration office. You can also get an application form by calling Social Security's toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

Click the blue bar at the bottom left labeled Apply for “Extra Help” With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs

Read the page and click Apply Now

Answer some questions about your assets and sources of income

Enter information about yourself, your spouse, and how you can be reached

Review your application, submit it, and print your "receipt"

The application is secure, which means only you and the Social Security Administration can see the information you provide.

The CarePlus Social Services department assists our members in applying for public assistance through a variety of state and federal programs. The assistance and guidance is offered at no additional cost to our members. Using this service is completely voluntary. If you choose not to use this service, your enrollment into a CarePlus plan will not be affected.

The specific agency that offers the options for assistance will be the one responsible to determine the final eligibility. You are also free to apply for public assistance directly with the sponsoring agency.

Resource and income levels for "Extra Help" are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) annually.

For more information on the services offered by our Social Services team, please see the brochure by clicking on the following links below.

Remember, applying for “Extra Help” is not the same as joining a prescription drug plan (PDP). Whether you qualify for “Extra Help” or not, you must also enroll in a plan to get prescription drug coverage. The amount of “Extra Help” varies based on each individual income and resources.

CarePlus

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